Great Central Railway

08/09/2026

A true Great Central favourite, BR Standard 5MT No. 73156 is the only surviving BR Standard locomotive built at Doncaster Works and has strong historical links to the former Great Central route through allocations at Leicester Central and Woodford Halse.

Rescued from Barry Scrapyard and returned to steam after a major restoration, 73156 is now a regular performer on the GCR.

Have you travelled behind 73156, taken the controls during a Driver Experience, or got a favourite photo of the loco in action? Share it in the comments below! 👇

📷 Geoff Griffiths

08/09/2026

SAVE THE DATE: THE MIDLANDS BIGGEST BUS FESTIVAL IS COMING🚌
Something big is coming to the Midlands…

On 8–9 May 2027, the Great Central Railway, Great Central Railway Nottingham, Leicestershire Transport Heritage Trust and Nottingham Area Bus Society will join forces for what promises to be the biggest bus gathering in the Midlands.🛞

With 100+ buses and vehicles expected to take part, an intensive timetable of heritage bus rides linking the Great Central Railway and GCRN, routes exploring the surrounding area, and lots of activities for families this is set to be a weekend not to miss.

📅Whether you're passionate about buses, involved in vehicle preservation or wanting to bring a vehicle along to take part, make sure you save the date for what’s sure to be an amazing event.

07/09/2026

Beers and Bites!🍔

Choose from a wide variety of food stalls during our Beer, Cider, and Gin Festival on 17-20 September.

From stuffed spuds to loaded pizza and picnic favourites, there’s plenty to keep you fuelled while you enjoy the festival.🍻🍕

🎟️See the full menu on our website at www.gcrailway.co.uk/visit/events/20260917-beer-cider-gin-festival/

07/09/2026

Steam trains are BACK at the Great Central Railway! 🚂

Thank you for your understanding while we took the necessary safety precautions during the recent hot weather. With conditions improving, we’re looking forward to seeing steam locomotives back on the railway.

We are open this week on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. Start your planning your next adventure 🎟 https://www.gcrailway.co.uk/

📷 Alan Weaver

06/09/2026

🚂 Can you help stock the Great Central Railway Emporium?

We’re looking for donations of jigsaws, books and railwayana for the Emporium at Loughborough!

If you have any unwanted items gathering dust at home, we’d love to give them a new lease of life and help raise funds for the Great Central Railway.

📚 Books – railway related topics only please
🧩 Jigsaws – complete and in their box
🚂 Railwayana – railway-related items, memorabilia and collectables

We kindly ask that all donations are clean and in good condition.
Unfortunately, we’re unable to accept magazines, VHS tapes or DVDs.

Every donation, large or small, can make a difference. So, if you have something suitable to donate, please consider bringing it along to the Emporium at Loughborough station. Our friendly team would love to see you!

Thank you for supporting the Great Central Railway! 🚂

05/09/2026

First Look at the 4th Autumn Steam Gala Guest!👀🚂

Head over to our Patreon to find the ‘Lost’ Engine and be the first to see the next guest to join the Autumn Steam Gala lineup.

The guest will be joined by LMS 16440, with thanks to Midland Railway Trust Ltd; 7232 Sentinel ‘Ann’, with thanks to Keighley & Worth Valley Railway; Callum Porter and Chris Boocock; and GWR Saddle Tank 813, with thanks to Severn Valley Railway and the GWR 813 Preservation Fund.

❤️Join us on Patreon to see which locomotive will be running alongside our home fleet, plus get extra behind-the-scenes content whilst supporting the GCR here https://www.patreon.com/GreatCentralRailway/posts/patreon-first-168580044?pr=true

05/09/2026

Don’t miss the final day of our Autumn Diesel
Gala (Sunday 6 September), starring a visiting ‘Chopper’, two Class 33s, a Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ and many more! 🤩

What will be your highlight:
🍳 Cooked breakfast on the Griddle?
🚆 Class 20 and Class 33 on the Mountsorrel Branchline?
🛤️ Trains passing at speed on the only double-track preserved railway?

There’s plenty to look forward to. Prebook your tickets online or purchase on the day from booking offices ➡️ https://www.gcrailway.co.uk/visit/events/20260903-autumn-diesel-gala/

05/09/2026

Day Drinks & Diesel Running Day

Join us as we kick off our annual Beer, Cider and Gin Festival with a diesel running day taking place on Thursday 17 September!🍻

Hop aboard behind one of our roaring diesel engines for 6 round trips with 2 of our heritage diesel locomotives in action. You can enjoy real ales and other refreshments on board in our refreshment car, with fresh hand-pulled ales.
Complete your diesel drinking day by admiring the diesel engines passing by from the Loughborough bar, which is also open from 12 pm and serves 30 cask beers and 10 ciders.

Each day will have something for everyone to enjoy!

🎟️Check out our website to find out what’s happening each day and to get your running day tickets at www.gcrailway.co.uk/visit/events/20260917-beer-cider-gin-festival/

04/09/2026

Notice for Visitors to Ellis Cafe During the Autumn Diesel Gala Weekend

Unfortunately, due to a last-minute delay from one of our food suppliers, we won't be able to serve hot food options this weekend. We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience or disappointment this may cause to your visit!

The good news is that we are fully stocked with our usual fabulous 200 Degrees coffee, delicious fresh sandwiches, cakes flapjack, and light refreshments to keep you refueled.

Thank you so much for your understanding and continued support we look forward to seeing you over the weekend!

See all the other cafes and catering services open throughout the weekend on our website at www.gcrailway.co.uk/visit/events/20260903-autumn-diesel-gala/

An epic weekend of diesel traction where our home fleet will be joined by guest locomotives for an intensive timetable.